Thule Approach M
#18 in Soft shellFull review
A polished, easy to mount soft shell for two adults who want a big bed and a low folded profile, for $300 less than the Approach 2 M.
Amazon $2,699.95$2,699.95
The Thule Approach M rates 3.1 among soft shell tents; the CVT Mt. Hood Small rates 2.8 among hard shell ones. The CVT Mt. Hood Small costs $100.95 less ($2,599 vs $2,699.95).
CVT Mt. Hood Small
#22 in Hard shellFull review
A quick opening aluminum clamshell for a solo camper or a couple who wants a hard shell that rides low and keeps gear inside. It is very heavy, so check the roof load first.
CVT $2,599$2,599
Prices were last checked October 31, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Scores side by side
These two sit in different type classes (soft shell and hard shell), and each is scored against the reference points for its own class, so a rating says how well each does among its own type peers. How we rank explains each factor.
| Factor weight | Thule Approach M | CVT Mt. Hood Small |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.1/5 | 2.8/5 |
| Value 30% | 29 $80.25 per sq ft of bed ($2,699.95, 33.6 sq ft) | 54 $95.09 per sq ft of bed ($2,599, 27.3 sq ft) |
| Weight 20% | 63 128 lb for 33.6 sq ft of bed (3.8 lb per sq ft) | 0 241.4 lb for 27.3 sq ft of bed (8.8 lb per sq ft) |
| Weather 20% | 62 waterproof rating not published, 4 season | 50 waterproof rating not published (neutral score used) |
| Comfort 15% | 38 mattress thickness not published, no anti-condensation mat | 50 mattress and extras not published (neutral score used) |
| Warranty 15% | 50 warranty not published (neutral score used) | 25 2-year warranty |
Specifications
| Thule Approach M | CVT Mt. Hood Small | |
|---|---|---|
| Sleeping | ||
| Shell | Soft shell | Hard shell |
| Opens | Folds out | Clamshell |
| Sleeps | 3 | 2 |
| Mattress | 51 x 95 in | 48 x 82 in |
| Bed area | 33.6 sq ft | 27.3 sq ft |
| Anti-condensation mat | No | - |
| Built-in lights | - | Yes |
| Weather | ||
| Fabric | 600D polyester ripstop | 280 gsm polyester blackout canvas |
| Season rating | 4 season | - |
| Annex | Optional | Optional |
| On the vehicle | ||
| Weight | 128 lb | 241.4 lb |
| Closed size | 49 x 56 x 11 in | 88.19 x 54.72 x 10.24 in |
| Open size | 95 x 56 x 40 in | - |
| Closed height | 11 in | 10.2 in |
| Static load | 660 lb | - |
| Setup time (maker) | 3 min | 4 min |
| Warranty | - | 2 years |
| Released | - | 2025 |